Should You Date An Older Or A Younger Woman?

Younger Vs. Older Women

Dave's new deodrant was working wonders for him For decades, the inter-gender relationship dynamic was set: older man, younger woman. There are a variety of theories on why: Men are more visual, opting for younger healthier women; females are more emotional, opting for men with more experience; older men offer women more stability; women mature faster than men; daddy issues; his first two wives died during childbirth; etc.

However, this dynamic began to skew with the sexual revolution of the '60s, evidenced famously in pop culture by Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate. Gradually, cinema followed with other examples: Harold and Maude, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Y tu mamá también, Notes on a Scandal, Sex and the City.

Mainstream culture caught on and suddenly it became so hip for women to take younger guys that teachers everywhere began sleeping with their students (something AskMen.com does not condone, but we can't promise we wouldn't say no to). The term "cougar," sadly, has entered everyday vernacular and with 51-year-old Madonna having suggested she's prepared to marry her 23-year-old lover, Jesus Luz, it would seem these cases are becoming even more extreme.

Nowadays, the question is not whether dating an older women is appropriate, fun or sexy. The real question has become whether this is a passing fancy, or will it surpass the ancient dynamic of older man/younger woman? We consider younger women to be between 18 and 25 years old. Older women are 33 to 45. Anything younger is illegal and any older is like doing your aunt.

So, should you date an older or younger woman? We have six criteria for you to consider.

Body

Let’s state the obvious, younger women tend to have better bodies. Their metabolisms are still high, no stress lines have set in, and their skin is full of collagen and elasticity. However, let’s not completely rule out older women here. They have their own bank accounts with which they can pay for personal trainers and Botox. Many men still sneer at the idea of any cosmetic surgery, but we’re entering a time when people can maintain their looks, not change them. We're not going to pretend we've never looked at Anne Robinson without so much as a hint of lust, but not everyone is as fortunate as her. However, a young girl can down beers and grab late-night nachos with you and not wear it on her arse the next day.

Winner: Younger women (due to late-night nacho clause)

Sex

The truth of the matter is most younger women don’t have much experience. "The virgin" sounds great until you realise how awkward and nervous she becomes between the sheets. How many fellas at 30 just want to make out for hours? Sure, younger women tend to have more energy than their older counterparts and there is something fun about being the person that teaches them new positions. For years, she’ll think you’re better in bed than you actually are just because she lacks comparison. However, older women know what they want; they’re more confident and less likely to faff about once they've made up their mind that they want you. Damn, she’ll buy you a drink and she’ll expect something in return.

Winner: Older women

Don't go anywhere, there's still more to consider when wrestling with the question: Should you date an older or younger woman?